Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's Sundance Film Festival, which runs January 16 to 26 in Park City, Utah. One of the nation's largest independent film festivals, Sundance boasts around 200 movies from a variety of genres, with many featuring LGBT themes, characters, directors, and writers from around the world. But which to see?

From The Case Against 8, a behind-the-scenes look at the first marriage equality case to reach the Supreme Court, to The Foxy Merkins, a lesbian "prostitute buddy comedy," here are 23 stellar comedies, dramas, documentaries, and shorts that celebrate queer life.

Film stills and descriptions courtesy of the Sundance Institute.

World Cinema Dramatic Competition

52 TuesdaysAustralia (Director: Sophie Hyde; screenplay and story by Matthew Cormack; story by Sophie Hyde) — Sixteen-year-old Billie’s reluctant path to independence is accelerated when her mother reveals plans for gender transition, and their time together becomes limited to Tuesdays. This emotionally charged story of desire, responsibility, and transformation was filmed over the course of a year — once a week, every week, only on Tuesdays. Cast: Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Del Herbert-Jane, Imogen Archer, Mario Späte, Beau Williams, Sam Althuizen. International premiere

LiltingUnited Kingdom (Director and screenwriter: Hong Khaou) — The world of a Chinese mother mourning the untimely death of her son is suddenly disrupted by the presence of a stranger who doesn't speak her language. Lilting is a touching and intimate film about finding the things that bring us together. Cast: Ben Whishaw, Pei-Pei Cheng, Andrew Leung, Peter Bowles, Naomi Christie, Morven Christie. World premiere. Day 1 film

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World Cinema Documentary Competition

My Prairie HomeCanada (Director: Chelsea McMullan) — A poetic journey through landscapes both real and emotional, Chelsea McMullan’s documentary/musical offers an intimate portrait of transgender singer Rae Spoon, framed by stunning images of the Canadian prairies. McMullan’s imaginative visual interpretations of Spoon’s songs make this an unforgettable look at a unique Canadian artist. International premiere

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U.S. Dramatic Competition

Jamie Marks Is DeadUSA (Director and screenwriter: Carter Smith) — No one seemed to care about Jamie Marks until after his death. Hoping to find the love and friendship he never had in life, Jamie’s ghost visits former classmate Adam McCormick, drawing him into the bleak world between the living and the dead. Cast: Cameron Monaghan, Noah Silver, Morgan Saylor, Judy Greer, Madisen Beaty, Liv Tyler

The Skeleton TwinsUSA (Director: Craig Johnson; screenwriters: Craig Johnson, Mark Heyman) — When estranged twins Maggie and Milo feel that they’re at the end of their ropes, an unexpected reunion forces them to confront why their lives went so wrong. As the twins reconnect, they realize the key to fixing their lives may just lie in repairing their relationship. Cast: Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell, Boyd Holbrook, Joanna Gleason

Dear White PeopleUSA (Director and screenwriter: Justin Simien) — Four black students attend an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over an “African American” themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film explores racial identity in postracial America while weaving a story about forging one's unique path in the world. Cast: Tyler Williams, Tessa Thompson, Teyonah Parris, Brandon Bell